For simple baked goods like cookies or brownies, Community Grains flour can typically be substituted 1:1 with AP flour quite easily with no special consideration.

For breads and sourdoughs, there are a few differences. Whole grain flour absorbs liquid more slowly than AP white flour, because it is not as finely processed. Depending on your recipe, this may require longer resting periods, more proofing, or more water than with AP flour. It can be finicky a process to develop new whole grain ratios but that’s part of the fun. It’s all about exploration. Because whole grain flour naturally contains the nutrients and fiber that are taken out of white flour during the milling process, your baking will now include the benefits of a more nutritious and flavorful flour.

Our polenta integrale is made from whole grain corn, which is completely gluten-free! Please enjoy.

However, all of our wheat products (flour, pastas, breads) do have gluten. Gluten is found in the endosperm of the grain, and since our wheat is 100% whole grain, the entirety of the endosperm remains in our end product. Many studies show that consuming large quanitties of refined white flower has led to the proliferation of gluten allergies and intolerances. Those with celiaces diseas, who have a severe allergy to gluten, should not consume our products. Others with a slight intolerance to wheat products, largely made from white flour, find that they do not react the same to whole grain whole wheat products.

What wheat varieties do you use? Jaclyn Coleman
2016-06-20T16:36:32+00:00

Our commodity wheat is grown and milled in California, unless there is a shortage. This wheat is not grown with pesticides. There was an herbicide used early on in the growing season, but other than that, no pesticides are used.

Our Identity Preserved pasta line, wholesale flour, and polenta are 100% organically grown. We are working with local farmers to develop an organic retail flour line as well.

We are committed to created a local grain economy built on regenerative agricultural practices, and our ultimate goal is to offer a full range of organic products. Unfortunately, at this point in California, there is a lack of local mills and storage facilities for organic wheat farmers. This is a major hindrance, and makes growing, cleaning, milling, and storing organic wheat challenging and cost prohibitive for many farmers. That being said, California-grown organic wheat is steadily becoming available. We’re thrilled to be a part of the process!

What do you mean by “True Whole Grain”? Jaclyn Coleman
2016-06-20T15:56:55+00:00

Did you know that current FDA guidance allows food manufacturers to call a product “Whole Grain” if it contains only 8 grams of whole grain per 30 grams serving? That means that the rest (well over 50%) of a given product may be refined white flour. The FDA doesn’t require food manufacturers to disclose the proportion of whole wheat flour to white flour in a given product, so you’ll never know what you’re getting!

We are committed to whole milling, meaning whole kernels go into our innovative mill, and 100% come out. If and when we sift out the larger particles, it is never more than 5% and we will always let you know. Learn more about Whole Milling.

Our Identity Preserved products are grown by local farmers and fully traceable from seed to table. Just grab the batch # from your box of Community Grains Identity Preserved pasta, or other IP product, and enter it on our website to learn more about the grain. Find out more here and don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.

We certainly loved those beans, but we’ve decided to shift our focus to grains for the foreseeable future. We DO still have some beans available. Feel free to contact us to see what we’ve got and place an order. Available while supply lasts!

Where can I buy your products? Jaclyn Coleman
2016-07-20T13:58:07+00:00

Retail: We do not have our own retail store, however, you can find our products at select Whole Foods and other specialty grocers. Reach out to us if you have any questions about where to find us or check Where to Buy for our current list of locations and partners. We always suggest calling a store first to find out if what you’re looking for is in stock!

Can’t find a store near you? Check out our webstore! Due to staffing changes, we no longer offer pick-up at our location.

Wholesale: We work with bakers, schools, restaurants, you name it! Interested in working with us? Please fill out our Wholesale Inquiry Form and we’ll get back to you within 48 hours.

What products does Community Grains offer? Jaclyn Coleman
2016-06-20T15:45:24+00:00

We sell a line of Identity Preserved whole wheat pastas and polenta integrale, and whole grain pastas and flours for both wholesale & food service. All of our products are 100% California grown and milled.

What is the best way to contact you? Jaclyn Coleman
2016-06-20T15:44:19+00:00

You can reach us at answers@communitygrains.com. If you’d prefer phone, feel free to give us a call at 510-547-3737. Our office hours are Monday – Friday; 10am-5pm. Our offices are located across from the Rockridge BART station in Oakland, CA.